Out of the blue phone call

Not sure if this will post as I asked some questions before and they weren’t posted, so consequently, I unfortunately had no help.

I had a call today from a case manager (or something) after I’d submitted the info requested in the review form.
No warning, nothing. Asked me questions like “was I depressed” and then told me everyone was depressed at the moment because of covid (hello, I thought this was about me, not the rest of the country)
Basically, it was like an assessment but they gave me no indication that this was going to happen. They asked me why I had problems now that I didn’t have before (Um, deterioration) and reworded the same question multiple times like they were trying to catch me out. I get there are people who are falsely claiming but you can’t trip up someone who lives with a condition every single day of the year.

I didn’t realise they could do an assessment like this, without any form of warning and now I’m left feeling like it went really bad. I had to go to a tribunal several years ago and ended up in hospital not long after and I really don’t think I can deal with this all over again.

Hi Calamitysue, I'm just a fellow forum bod, not a mod or anything. I simply want to say, 1] in future if you have questions try writing them off line then pasting in. Likely your login timed out which isn't always obvious in my experience. 2] They do know how to mistreat people don't they, in so many ways, whether booked or out of the blue. And make such crass remarks. But our job as claimants/supporters is to see they do their job properly for the benefit of all. I am sure the mods or others will be along presently to offer helpful advice, but in the meantime just want to let you know you have my sympathy and all of us here are willing you on and supporting you, you are not alone any more. With best wishes, Denby

Thanks Gordon and many apologies, I missed the answers. I’m relatively new here and trying to navigate during a brain fog moment probably wasn’t a good idea.

Do you have any idea roughly how long they’re taking to make a decision at the moment ?
My health has taken a downward spiral since my last claim and the inquisition over the phone has completely exhausted me and I know the waiting around now will likely have a negative impact too

Thanks Denby,
That’s really kind.
Unfortunately, I had an awful experience with a claim. I did the appeal and then ended up at a tribunal and I think it’s safe to say, it was one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced in my life.
I know there are so many people who are making claims that they shouldn’t be and at the moment, the dwp staff must be having a nightmare job going through them all.
It’s so frustrating though when they seem to be full of doubt when questioning you, especially when they have all the medical info from the GP.
I live in hope that one day they’ll make the system more useable for people who have long term chronic conditions, as the one they have now doesn’t do anyone’s health any favours.
Failing an overhaul, I’m quite happy to take a lottery win